Call for Financial consultant - Foody System Challenge

Context & Background

Berytech is a leading organization in Lebanon's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting. Hence, Berytech is taking part in the country's economic revival, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

About FSC PROJECT

The Food System Challenge supports businesses to solve core challenges of the food system in Lebanon, and more specifically in the sectors of dairy and meat production (cow, goat, sheep), cereals and pulses (and its by-products), protected horticulture (Classical green houses, hydroponics, and aquaponics), and domesticated edible herbs and plants.

The Food System Challenge is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech through support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Throughout FSC’s previous and current cycles, the program supported over 40 SMEs to fortify the Lebanese food system to create a more sustainable ecosystem.

SME Background

Ghalatouna is a Lebanese SME specializing in bulgur production and distribution, with a focus on sustainability and local agricultural support. As part of its transformation project under the Food System Challenge (FSC), Ghalatouna aims to improve its financial management capabilities, especially cash flow management, to support production scaling, enhance financial flexibility, and implement strategic growth initiatives.

Objective

The financial consultant will:

1. Enhance Ghallatouna’s cash flow management systems to ensure financial flexibility and stability.
2. Optimize budgeting, cost control, and financial forecasting processes.
3. Recommend and assist in the selection and implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system tailored to Ghallatouna’s needs.

Scope of work:

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Cash Flow Analysis and Forecasting:
   • Review and assess current cash flow systems.
   • Develop models to forecast cash flows under different scenarios, focusing on capital expenditure, operational needs, and contingency planning.
2. Cost Optimization:
   • Identify key cost drivers and recommend strategies to control and optimize these costs.
   • Assess the financial impact of the biomass boiler project and advise on aligning cash flow with projected operational savings.
3. ERP System Implementation:
   • Identify appropriate ERP systems for financial management and inventory control.
   • Support the selection, customization, and onboarding of the ERP system.
   • Train relevant staff in using the ERP system for efficient cash flow management.
4. Financial Reporting and Training:
   • Develop standardized financial reporting templates for internal and external use.
   • Conduct training sessions for Ghallatouna’s team on cash flow management and financial planning.

Duration

The selected Consultant is expected to start their activities as soon as possible after selection (the effective date is to be confirmed), and the contract duration is up to 5 months. Key Deliverables

1. Comprehensive cash flow management strategy with actionable recommendations.
2. Financial forecasting models and cost analysis report.
3. ERP system for SME recommendations and a detailed implementation roadmap.
4. Training sessions and materials for Ghallatouna’s staff on financial management.
5. Monthly progress reports and a final project completion report summarizing outcomes.

Qualifications:

The ideal consultant/consultancy firm should meet the following criteria:

• Proven experience in financial management consulting, particularly with SMEs.
• Expertise in cash flow analysis, budgeting, and cost optimization.
• Knowledge of ERP systems implementation, preferably in the manufacturing or food production sector.
• Strong training and capacity-building skills.